Jacob Scott

Jacob Scott, a researcher at the University of Florida specializing in finger evolution, dives into why humans and many animals have five fingers. He discusses the evolutionary advantages that this configuration provides for dexterity and tool use. The podcast highlights fascinating transformations from early tetrapod ancestors and the reasons behind digit loss in species like horses and salamanders. Scott also unravels the genetic dynamics during embryonic development that govern finger formation, emphasizing the significance of maintaining five digits in humans.